Ah Macedonia. The scene of many an Irish disaster. Well, two so-called disasters to be precise but that qualifies as carelessness at the very least. The 3-2 defeat in Skopje in 1997 during qualifying for the following year's World Cup may well have counted as Mick McCarthy's lowest point as Irish manager, but the 1-1 draw in the same venue two years later was more damaging as Goran Stavrevski injury-time equaliser denied Ireland an automatic place in the European Championships. Instead the result meant Ireland had to face Turkey in a two-legged play-off (which they duly lost, heroically of course).

It shows how the improvements Macedonia have made (or how far Ireland have fallen) that Giovanni Trapattoni would probably settle for a 1-1 draw right now. The Italian's methods have come under scrutiny during the build-up to this game (who would have thought that the glory from lifting the Carling Nations Cup would fade so quickly?) with the selection of West Brom's Simon Cox ahead of Reading's Shane Long particularly controversial.

Ah Macedonia. The scene of many an Irish disaster. Well, two so-called disasters to be precise but that qualifies as carelessness at the very least. The 3-2 defeat in Skopje in 1997 during qualifying for the following year's World Cup may well have counted as Mick McCarthy's lowest point as Irish manager, but the 1-1 draw in the same venue two years later was more damaging as Goran Stavrevski injury-time equaliser denied Ireland an automatic place in the European Championships. Instead the result meant Ireland had to face Turkey in a two-legged play-off (which they duly lost, heroically of course).

It shows how the improvements Macedonia have made (or how far Ireland have fallen) that Giovanni Trapattoni would probably settle for a 1-1 draw right now. The Italian's methods have come under scrutiny during the build-up to this game (who would have thought that the glory from lifting the Carling Nations Cup would fade so quickly?) with the selection of West Brom's Simon Cox ahead of Reading's Shane Long particularly controversial.

The teams selected to duke it out are below. As mentioned Simon Cox starts ahead of Shane Long while Robbie Keane has shaken off an injury and will go in search of his 50th international goal. Richard Dunne is suspended and Sean St Ledger injured so it's a new central defensive partnership for Ireland, at least competitively. It doesn't exactly fill you with confidence.

Elsewhere in this group Russia came from behind to beat Armenia thanks to a Roman Pavlyuchenko hat-trick while Slovakia are currently being held by Andorra. That win moves Russia to 13 points while Slovakia and Ireland have 10 points apiece before their games today. If Ireland fail to win tonight they may well be looking to nick second spot.

"I sincerely hope Trapattoni will show us tonight that he can not just play defensive tactics and give us a good game," writes David Clarke. "Stranger things have happened, as we have seen today Wayne Rooney has showed us that the saying " hair today gone tomorrow " isn't always the case." Some people would say Trap is in need of a different kind of transplant.

In the Sky studio Steve Staunton says of Shane Long that he's another of those players 'who looks like they want to play football'. How did it not work out for Stan in management?

Ireland are unbeaten in their last 10 away games. Saying that they don't win many. The smart money would be on a 1-1 draw tonight.

The teams come out onto the pitch. Macedonia all in red, Ireland in white which is a damn sight better than the orange they wore here in defeat in 97. The thousand or so Ireland fans who have travelled (or are still stuck there from the last visit) give the national anthem a decent stab. The Macedonians, in the newly revamped Philip II of Macedon stadium are a little more disjointed in their singing. They could be on Britain's Got Talent.

"Arise, Sir Bobby Keane," writes Justin Kavanagh. "After reading so much in recent weeks about how Ireland's relationship with England has now matured onto an even playing field, I had to laugh at Ray Houghton saying that Robbie Keane will be eager to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton's international goalscoring record today. He may surpass his record, but will the Irish captain ever be known for his own hairstyle?" But was Bobby Charlton ever known for his cartwheel followed by cowboy salute? That's the real question.

Peep!!!! We're underway with Ireland playing from left to right. As tradition dictates Macedonia will play the other way.

1 min: Inside one minute Glenn Whelan tries his luck from distance but it's well wide. Ireland scored after 85 seconds in the fixture in Dublin, thank mainly to some suspect goalkeeping. Unsurprisingly they've made changes in that department tonight.

2 min: Shay Given is complaining about a laser pen being shined in his eye. Football has changed since he last played a competitive game. The referee, Florian Meyer, makes him retake a free kick on the edge of the area while they stadium announcer makes an announcement which presumably says 'Oi, put away your laser pen you oaf.'

4 min: Now Naumoski is down getting treatment for a shoulder injury. There's going to be a drop ball to restart but it's been a very disjointed opening to the game. Macedonia return the ball to Given and maybe now we can have some football.

Goal!!!! Macedonia 0-1 Ireland (Keane, 7) The Ireland captain has his 50th international goal with the aid of a big deflection. He picked the ball up 30 yards out. There was very little on but the Macedonia defence backed off so Keane tried his luck and it clipped off Noveski's back and looped over Bogatinov into the net. What a start for Ireland.

12 min: Great save from Shay Given. Pandev broke the offside trap and was in on goal but Given stayed big and blocked with his legs.

14 min: Cox, who has started really brightly (maybe Trapattoni know something after all), is flagged offside but claims not to hear it and puts the ball away. The referee shows him the yellow card for ignoring the whistle. A few moments ago Naumoski succumbed to his shoulder problem and has been replaced by Feran Hesani.

17 min: "I'm watching on the ropiest of web feeds here in London," writes Colin Ward. "Good to see Robbie's usual OTT-style celebrations were suitably tempered by the extreme fortune of his goal... Oh." It's not every day he reaches 50 goals, Colin. I would say he does his cartwheel at least once a day though. It's important to stay sharp.

20 min: Justin Kavanagh is on fire: "Arise Sir Bobby ... the Tallaght-dega Knight. So how did he celebrated Evan? Was there a Honda 50 waiting to spin him around the pitch on a lap of honour shooting arrows into the crowd from his imaginary bow?" That's pretty much exactly how it went. It was hard to see his face though with the Granny basket on the front of the moped.

22 min: It might be worth saying that as well as Ireland are playing Trapattoni's era has been marked by taking early leads and then sitting back and trying to hand on to a one goal advantage, which is fine if you have Claudio Gentile in your side. Less so if you have Darren O'Dea.

23 min: Big penalty shout for Macedonia and amazingly Florian Meyer has waved play-on. The Inter forward turned inside O'Dea and fell to the ground inside the area with O'Shea's arms clearly wrapped round his shoulder. Somehow the referee doesn't see it that way. Ireland have started to sit back already.

26 min: Keith Andrews is now getting treatment after a clash of heads with Demiri. I think he'll be fine but he has to go to the sideline to get some grease wiped on his head and now he's back.

28 min: Aiden McGeady goes on his first run of the night cutting in from the left before he's chopped down by Sumulikoski and Ireland have a free kick in a decent position ...

29 min: Andrews drives it low through the wall. It's fairly straightforward but Bogatinov manages to spill the ball but no Ireland forward is alert enough to pounce on the rebound.

31 min: The Macedonia left back twists and turns at the edge of the Irish area before firing a low shot across goal which is probably going wide but Given saves easily anyway. Ireland have settled a bit in the last few minutes.

33 min: Now Darren O'Dea is down after a collision with Shay Given who came and punched clear. O'Dea took the full force of Given's weight in the face. I think he'll be ok but Ireland can't afford to lose another centre back.

Goal!!!! Macedonia 0-2 Republic of Ireland (Keane, 36) Out of nothing Ireland have doubled their lead. It was a terrible backpass from Grncarov and Keane was on to it in a flash and finished beautifully, sliding into the corner of the net from the edge of the area. Great finish from Keane and this half couldn't have gone any better for Ireland.

39 min: "My heart fills with joy every time I see Kevin Kilbane," writes Emma Bung. "He's not the best footballer in the world by any stretch of the imagination, but he is hard-working, honest, humble, and that's all too rare a thing these days." That's Killer for you. He may be 147 years old but he's still trying his best.

39 min: Penalty to Macedonia A terrible challenge from O'Shea who swung cluelessly at the ball but instead caught Pandev in the chest.

41 min: Trickovski misses the penalty Shay Given went the wrong way but Trickovski's penalty crashes against the crossbar and away to safety. What a let-off for Ireland. It was a foolish challenge from O'Shea. who is supposedly one of Ireland's most experienced players, but they have somehow got away with it.

43 min: In an email headed "Celebrations Pt2 Colin Ward writes: "I'll let Robbie away with it this time ... Still, I'm afraid that you might well be right, that even after that second goal Trapp'll settle for 2-2." He couldn't, could he?

45 min: Three minutes of stoppage time. Ireland desperately need to hold on to their two-goal lead to the break.

45 + 1 min: Popov goes down the left and crosses but it evades everyone in the area, thankfully for Kilbane who had got caught under the ball.

Half time: Ireland have a two-goal lead which is probably two more than even they could have imagined. Had Macedonia taken their chances it would be a different story with Pandev missing when clean through and then Trickovski hitting the crossbar from the penalty spot. Keane's 50th and 51st international goals have put Ireland on the verge of a vital three points.

Half time emails: "Could we have a description of the goal please?" demands Fred Sullivan beating his hands off the desk while screaming 'won't somebody please think of the children'. "Some of us are at work... oh... you are too of course. Also, why is Robbie Keane getting such a hard time? He's a bit of an idiot and when i met him in real life he was arrogant and rude but he IS a Premiership footballer so what do you expect? His achievement in reaching 50 international goals, something no British player has ever done, should be applauded. Good on him for celebrating every strike like it was his first. Scoring deflected goals never stopped Frank Lampard kissing his ring."

Goal descriptions ... The first came when Macedonia backed off. Keane's shot from 25 yards took a deflection and looped over the keeper into the net. The second was a terrible backpass but Keane was on to the ball in a flash and finished brilliantly, sliding past the onrushing keeper. The Lampard point is valid. Has anyone else ever met Robbie Keane? Did he cartwheel?

"I would love to hear any reactions from West Ham fans who might be watching," asks Michael Meagher. Anyone?

Cultural reference department ... Many people on Twitter seem to comparing O'Shea's tackle on Pandev to this memorable moment.

Meeting Robbie Keane Part One: Fred Sullivan explains his run-in. "Rather bizarrely, I met him in Chester's premier (only, at the time) nightclub 'Rosie's'. He was there with a few other Spurs players, though none that I recognised. Despite the presence of a dance floor mere centimetres from where he stood, he didn't dance so he kept his cartwheels to himself."

Meeting Robbie Keane Part Two: "I've met Robbie Keane," writes Stephen Barrett. "In my folk's bar in Mayo. He bought the whole place a drink, sat and had a coke and crisps himself while playing the pole position video game in the back. He ate a lot of my ma's Jaffa Cakes I seem to remember."

46 min: We're underway in the second half. Steve Staunton "can see Ireland getting three or four". Make of that what you will.

47 min: Ireland's biggest problem remains how cheaply they gave the ball away in midfield. Kilbane just made a vital interception, knocked the ball to Whelan who, under very little pressure, knocked it straight back to Macedonia.

48 min: "Not to but a damper on Keane's 51 goals," says David Clarke dampening things considerably, "but Dixie Dean scored 60 goals in one season (39 matches, for Everton 1927-28)." Yeah, but could he do it on a Wednesday night in Stoke?

51 min: The good news from an Ireland point of view is that Macedonia seem to be losing interest by the minute. If they can keep a clean sheet for the next 20 minutes or so I reckon most of the crowd (and probably a few players) will have gone home.

For Robbie Keane celebration queries ... please see above.

54 min: I've just done some detective work and I think Mario Gjurovski is about to come on for Macedonia. You can call me Columbo if you like.

55 min: Andrews breaks up a Macedonian attack and feeds McGeady who counters but his pass to Keane is cut out.

56 min: Pandev has the ball in the back of the net but the whistle has gone for handball which is just as well as O'Dea and Kilbane made a mess of a straightforward cross. Pandev controlled with his arm and slid past Given but the referee blew instantly. Gjurovski comes on for Despotovski.

58 min: The people are angry. "What have Dixie Dean's DOMESTIC goals got to do with anything?" screams Stephen Barrett. "I scored 20 in one playtime in that case." Don't blame me. I didn't say it. Plus I scored 25 once so if anyone's getting the plaudits ...

59 min: Like an old style messenger bringing news from the senators in Rome someone called 'Men of Distinction' has word of the RTE panel. "The RTE panel think Ireland are lucky... (well Liam Brady) and leaky in defence (Eamonn Dunphy). Pandev obviously met Henry on holidays... lucky escape for Ireland." You're right there, Men. There was no need for Pandev to handle.

62 min: "David Clarke makes a good point about Dixie Dean," writes Fred Sullivan, "but in international football only 26 players out of the thousands who've played internationally have scored more than 51 goals. And what a list it is! Puskas, Pele, Muller, Batistuta, Zico ... Stern John." Legends, one and all.

62 min: Macedonia are on the attack now but the Irish defence is holding firm. Meeting Robbie Keane Part Three: "I met Robbie Keane," says Simon Bradwell. "It was 1999 and he was playing for Coventry City. We had seen him play - and score - that day and were in a bar in Leamington when he came up to us, with Noel Whelan, and asked for a cigarette from my mate. He obliged, and congratulated Robbie on his goal, at which point Robbie did the double-finger-click-and-point thing and said, "Cheers". Heady days..." Good story, although I'm sure he would never have asked for a cigarette. He's a professional athlete for God's sake.

64 min: Change for Ireland as Shane Long replaces Simon Cox. Long's blistering pace could be useful here especially if some of the Macedonia players go home early as I have predicted.

66 min: A dangerous attack from Macedonia as Pandev spread it wide to Trickovski who cut inside on his right foot and fired a low shot which Given did well to hold with several Macedonians ready to pounce.

68 min: Another fine save from Given, this time from Sumulikoski's curling effort which was destined for the top corner. Given got across to push behind and O'Shea did well to head clear from the resulting corner.

71 min: "I'd say Columbo would write a mean MBM," writes Edward Caffrey. "Bumbling around the subject, questioning all of the seemingly minor details, puffing away on his cigar lulling you into a false sense of security until he says, 'Just one more thing' and that's it, that's when you know Columbo has got you, it was you who wished for every lucky and undeserved win just to watch the added ire of the RTE panel furious at the team for winning in such lacklustre fashion, rather than losing heroically."

71 min: A final change for Macedonia as Dusan Savic is on for Demiri. At least I think it was Demiri. maybe if Colombo is so good he can come up with a definitive answer on that?

73 min: I've Never Met Robbie Keane Part One: "I've never met Robbie Keane but if I ever did I'd buy him a pint," says Niall Mullen, "Ireland's next two highest goalscorers have a combined total that is 10 goals fewer than Keane. I'm guessing whatever his total is when he retires that it will never be surpassed. Not bad for a Tallaght whelp."

74 min: Macedonia haven't quite given up as early as I though and Popov has just hit a beautiful left-footed drive on the half-volley which crashes into the side-netting with Given scrambling across his line. This isn't quite over yet.

75 min: "I would or preferred to of seen this celebration," says David Clarke stoking the flames. "And i was merely sharing information but don't worry Stephen your medal is in the post."

77 min: Darren O'Dea and John O'Shea have defended very well in the second half and have so far resisted the urge - however strong it may be - to kick anyone up the arse.

78 min: Your meeting Robbie Keane stories are getting into dangerous territory legally. You know who you are. On slightly safer ground is Hugh Collins. "I've never met Robbie Keane, and I don't think I'd want to. The man has provoked so many emotional responses in me over the years: howls of euphoric delight when he scored against Germany, unspeakable rage when he missed against France, ear-burning embarrassment at his stupidity every time he was interviewed. Actually speaking to him would probably give me a stroke or something."

80 min: "I've never met Robbie Keane but if I did I wouldn't mention Dixie Dean," says David Clarke. I think you'd be alright with that one, David.

81 min: Popov has now taken on a one-man mission to get Macedonia back into this. His shot from near the left touchline is, predictably enough, miles wide.

82 min: Dare I say it but Ireland are closing this game out very well. They've made it very dull (they're good at that) and have restricted Macedonia to long range efforts. It's been very professional. So far at least.

84 min: "I never met Robbie Keane," says Nicholas P Farrell, "but I met Ray Houghton once. But actually it was his Liverpool-born namesake who told me that all he had to do to get a free pint in Ireland was introduce himself..."

85 min: Actually I don't understand that last email. Who is who's namesake? It probably doesn't matter. The gist of the story is that ex Italia 90 players get free pints in Ireland. I'm surprised they even have to introduce themselves.

87 min: Very nearly a third for Keane as McGeady, who has improved as the game has gone on, skips down the left and cuts the ball back for the Ireland captain who strikes goalwards but Noveski blocks. Lovely play from Ireland.

88 min: Free kick to Macedonia in a dangerous area at the edge of the box ... but Trickovski blazes it over the bar. "I met Robbie Part 56 .. maybe" comes from George Thompson. "Met Robbie in Malahide a few years ago autograph hunting. Having been kicked outta the hotel by security or the receptionist, cant quite remember we saw Robbie pass by the lobby. He was good enough to come out and chat a bit and sign all round.Top fella in my books!" We're back in the good books.

90 min: Two minutes of stoppage time.

90 + 1 min: And Ireland have a corner after another good McGeady run.

90 + 1 min: They work it short and eventually Long spins on the edge of the area but his shot is weak and drifts behind.

Full time: What a three points that is for Ireland and for Robbie Keane.

Post match thoughts. Robbie Keane's 50th and 51st goals for his country secured a victory for Ireland that was absolutely vital after both Russia and Slovakia won earlier in the day. All three are now tied on 13 points with Russia top, Slovakia second and Ireland third courtesy of the head-to-head record. Ireland's next fixture is Slovakia in Dublin and after that we could be looking at a two-horse race for the only automatic qualifying spot. Giovanni Trapatonni's men rode their luck at times tonight, with Pandev's miss when clean through and Trickovski's penalty coming back off the bar the biggest let-offs, but Keane was clinical and the second half performance was very professional. That's it from me. Thanks for your emails. I'm off to hang around the airport in the hope of bumping into Robbie Keane. He seems like a great guy.